Cricket: Clarke stars again in Australia carve-up

Australia's captain Michael Clarke plays a shot on his way
to his fourth double century in a year. REUTERS/Regi
Varghese

Michael Clarke established himself as a
once-in-a-generation player, as the skipper along with David
Warner and Mike Hussey batted an injury-hit South Africa into
submission in the second Test.

Clarke finished day one unbeaten on 224, his Bradman-like run
continuing as he became the first Test cricketer in history
to score 200 or more four times in a calendar year.

Australia equalled their highest ever total for a day's play,
finishing an emphatic 5-482 at stumps.

The Proteas are reeling with Vernon Philander ruled out
before play and Jacques Kallis injuring a hamstring while
bowling.

Warner (119) and Hussey (103) made stunning hundreds, but
again it was the fearless skipper who was the magic.

Since taking over as Australian captain in August 2011 he has
made 1838 runs at 79.91.

In 2012 Clarke has 1265 runs - more than Bradman's greatest
ever mark in a year - and he averages 140.55.

Clarke has already posted scores of 329 not out, 210 and 259
not out since January before his heroic work on Thursday from
243 balls (39 boundaries, one six).

The 31-year-old is yet to be dismissed this series for a
total of 488 runs.

"The only thing I've looked at is we've just made 482 in a
day. Now I'm trying to work out what we've got to do tomorrow
to set up this game," said Clarke.

"It's really nice to be making runs. The downside in this
great game is when you're not you find it really hard to make
your next run. That's happened a lot for me through my
career.

"When I get in I'm trying to cash in because I know there
will be tough days again."

The ageless Hussey scored his second straight ton and
combined with his captain for a spectacular 272-run
partnership.

Warner played himself out of a slump and set the tone for the
innings with a swashbuckling performance. He helped form a
155-run stand with Clarke and the pair contributed to most of
Australia's 178 runs in 26 overs in the middle session.

"I knew if I could swing as hard as I could and put momentum
back on him (the bowler) I would take (pressure) off me,"
said Warner, who faced just 112 balls and creamed 16
boundaries and four sixes.

The Proteas, who are trying to defend their No.1 world
ranking in this series, are under enormous pressure to stop
Australia making a mammoth score.

Pace weapon Philander was ruled out before play with a back
problem but is expected to be available for the Perth Test
while Kallis and Dale Steyn were forced off the field during
the match with hamstring injuries.

Star allrounder Kallis was later diagnosed with a grade one
hamstring injury and will not bowl again in the match,
however Steyn (1-62) returned and ended up dismissing Hussey
at the death.

Warner was in a venomous mood from the outset, but inspired
by Kallis, South Africa pinned Australia back to 3-55 after
Ed Cowan (10), Rob Quiney (0) and Ricky Ponting (4) fell
within 15 balls.

When Kallis (2-19) hobbled off during his fourth over, it was
shut the gate for Clarke and Warner.

"It was tough. We got something going at 3-55 and had a
chance to do something," said Kirsten.

"... We got a beating ... we didn't put enough pressure on
the batsmen at any time."

Spinner Imran Tahir was pasted for an embarrassing 0-159,
while Morne Morkel took 2-128.